(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Troy Singleton, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Daniel R. Benson, Herb Conaway Jr., Carmelo Garcia, Celeste Riley, Gabriela Mosquera and Ralph Caputo to make it easier for taxpayers to donate to the ALS Association was approved Thursday by the Senate, giving it final legislative approval. The bill (A-3290) requires gross income tax returns to include a provision to allow taxpayers to make voluntary donations to the Greater Philadelphia and Greater New York Chapters of the ALS Association for taxable years beginning on or after the date of enactment. The measure establishes the ALS Association Support Fund as a depository for the donations. "The mission of the ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy, while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support through a nationwide network of chapters," said Singleton (D-Burlington). "Making it easier for New Jerseyans to support this cause is the right thing to do." The bill directs 50 percent of deposits to the ALS Association Support Fund to be appropriated to the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the ALS Association for services the organization provides to residents located in southern New Jersey and 50 percent of deposits to be appropriated to the Greater New York Chapter of the ALS Association for services provided to residents in central and northern New Jersey. The bill additionally authorizes the Division of Taxation to retain sufficient receipts from the donations to cover administrative costs.

"ALS is a terrible disease and we need to make it as easy as possible to support the effort to overcome it," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "A simple step like this could go a long way toward finding a cure, which is our shared goal." "For New Jerseyans able to do so, this option could make it easier to donate to this worthy cause," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "We all want to put an end to ALS, and anything that helps the cause is a step forward." "ALS advocacy and funding are critical in the effort to care for and support men and women with this illness," said Conaway (D-Burlington). "This legislation will provide New Jersey residents with the means to help improve the overall quality of life for those living with ALS and end the disease altogether." "During the past few months, we've seen unprecedented funding and attention go toward curing ALS, and this bill has the potential to keep that momentum going," said Garcia (D-Hudson). "The easier we make it for people across New Jersey to contribute to the ALS Association, the more likely it is that they will join in the fight against this debilitating illness." "When people know how they can help and that they're giving to a reputable organization, they want to contribute," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "This legislation will facilitate giving and provide New Jersey residents with a way to support those living with ALS." "Every year, thousands of men and women across the nation receive an ALS diagnosis, and along with the physical difficulties, they must prepare for new financial burdens," said Mosquera (D-Camden/Gloucester). "The recent surge in awareness and fundraising for the ALS Association was outstanding, but we can't let that be a one-time thing. This bill will help provide much-needed support for New Jersey residents with ALS well into the future." "In a single month this summer, concerned donors across the nation raised $100 million for the ALS Association, making it clear that people want to give to this cause," said Caputo (D-Essex). "This legislation establishes a means for New Jersey taxpayers to continue giving to the ALS Association as it works to support residents dealing with this devastating disease." Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord and is estimated to impact some 30,000 Americans at any given time, with an estimated 5,600 individuals newly diagnosed with the disease each year. The legislation now goes to the governor.